I remember sitting in my car outside my first AA meeting, heart pounding. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would people judge me? Would I have to say something? Was this really for me? The only thing I knew was that I couldn’t keep living the way I was. So, I took a deep breath, walked inside, and found something I didn’t expect, understanding. If you're wondering the same thing, SD AA meetings now might be worth checking out.
Read more: How to Make the 12 Steps Work for You
Common Fears About AA and What Really Happens
A lot of people hesitate before going to their first meeting. I had so many questions racing through my mind.
- Will I have to speak? No, you can just listen if you want.
- Do I have to believe in God? No, AA is spiritual but not tied to any specific religion.
- What if I don’t belong? If alcohol has impacted your life in any way, you’re welcome.
- Will it be depressing? Surprisingly, no. There’s honesty, but there’s also laughter and hope.
Walking into that room, I expected to feel out of place. Instead, I felt like I had finally found people who understood what I was going through.
What Happens at SD AA Meetings
If you’re thinking about checking out SD AA meetings now, knowing what to expect might help. Every meeting is a little different, but they all have the same foundation, people coming together to support each other.
Some meetings have speakers who share their stories, while others focus on discussion. There are also meetings that go through the 12 steps of AA, offering guidance for those who want to work through them. No one pressures you to speak, and you don’t have to sign up for anything. You just show up, listen, and see if it helps.
I remember hearing someone tell my exact story at my first meeting. It was like they were reading my mind. That was the moment I realized I wasn’t alone.
AA Isn’t About Labels, It’s About Support
One thing that kept me from going to AA sooner was the idea that I had to call myself an alcoholic. The truth is, you don’t have to label yourself at all. AA is about finding a better way to live, not putting yourself into a category.
Some people come to meetings because they’re ready to quit drinking completely. Others just want to explore their relationship with alcohol. No one forces you to commit to anything. You come when you need to, and you take what helps you, as well as ask for additional support by searching for “therapists near me”.
Is AA Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether AA is for you, ask yourself a few questions.
- Have you ever tried to cut back or quit but found it difficult?
- Do you drink more than you planned to?
- Do you ever feel guilty or ashamed about your drinking?
- Have friends or family expressed concern?
- Do you feel alone in your struggles with alcohol?
If you answered yes to any of these, AA might be worth a try. There’s no commitment, no pressure, just a chance to see if it helps.
Finding AA Meetings Near You
If you’re looking for “AA meetings near me”, it’s easy to find one. Meetings are held in churches, community centers, and even online. There are different types, so if one doesn’t feel right, try another. Some people prefer smaller, quieter meetings, while others like larger groups.
There are also resources outside of AA that might help. Some people work with a therapist, use a sobriety calculator to track progress, or consider a halfway house for additional support. Everyone’s path is different, and that’s okay.
Take the First Step Today
I wasn’t sure if AA was for me, but walking into that first meeting changed everything. I didn’t have to have all the answers, I just had to show up. If you’re curious, take that first step and see what’s out there. Check out SD AA meetings now and find a meeting that fits your needs. Use our directory to get started and see if this could be the support you’ve been looking for.